PROGRESS REPORT 8/7/11

Monday, August 08, 2011 - Comments 1

By Valerie Cunningham

In a recent support group meeting for Eating Disorders, we talked about PROGRESS.   It is so easy to get caught in the trap of negative self-talk and comparing, beating ourselves up in areas that we seem to have fallen short.  This can become a vicious cycle, which only leads to discouragement, depression, and possibly relapse. So let me challenge you with this exercise…

I remember back to when I was approaching my 1-year anniversary in recovery from my Eating Disorder. I was so discouraged, feeling that I should be farther along in the process, wondering when some of my “issues” would no longer be an issue.   I sat in my dietician’s office in tears, feeling defeated.  She suggested we look back over the past year and make a list of the accomplishments that I had made.  So we sat there for the next half an hour, comparing my past and present.  Here is a sampling of that list.

* I used to be a slave to the scale.... Now I no longer own a scale and know that my significance is not found in a number. 
* I used to restrict my food intake.... Now I eat intuitively and honor my body.
* I used to micro-manage what my family was eating.... Now I no longer am the “food police.”
* I used to say “no” to social activities because of the fear of food.... Now I say “yes” to social functions, and don’t deprive myself of relationship or celebrations because of the fear of food.

That assignment was a huge boost in my healing journey.  Now, when I am feeling stuck, I remind myself of this list.  It serves as “proof” that I have made progress.  

So the next time you are feeling defeated in your recovery process, or you find yourself caught in the cycle of comparing yourself to others, might you try this exercise?  Documenting your progress can be a powerful tool in your recovery journey.

As I walked into the treatment facility, where I would spend the next 60 days, my eye caught a plaque on the wall that read, “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.”  Philippians 1:6.  This has become my life verse.  God is not finished with me yet.   There is a lot more refining that needs to take place. I am a work in progress.   And so are you!

Valerie Cunningham is a wife, home school mom, and worship leader.  She is in her 5th year of recovery from a 22 year battle with anorexia.  Currently she leads a support group for disordered eaters at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.